About the treatment
Kati basti is a soothing and deeply pacifying solution for lower back/lumber spine pain especially when too tender for abhyanga. It is important that we nurture and protect the spine and its surrounding nervous system, the spine is the epicentre of health, movement, wellbeing, and happiness but also a common hiding place for unprocessed emotional stress and tension which should be addressed if perfect balance is to be found.
The natural oils for this treatment are specifically chosen according to the condition and are maintained at a particular temperature. A dough dam is created to hold a pool of the oil for a set length of time as its warmth and pressure deeply penetrates and is absorbed through the skin to muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues. Gentle manipulation of the subtle marma (vital energy points) enhances its healing impact. This procedure is then followed by a little, light massage of the surrounding area enhancing circulation and allowing ease of movement.
This therapy is recommended as a course alongside dietary and lifestyle suggestions.
More information...
The Basti’ can be roughly translated as ‘something inside’ or ‘something which holds.’ It is a term used to describe the urinary bladder in ayurveda, a compartment or container which holds or pools something for a period of time.
There are two types of basti therapies in ayurveda. The first is internal enema therapy which is given as a part of Ayurvedic Panchakarma. The second is external. This therapy is external.
There are several types of external basti to include:
• Kati basti – lower back treatment
• Greeva basti – around the area of neck/between shoulder blades
• Janu basti – around knee area
• Kurpara basti – around the elbow
• Hridaya basti – around heart marma point
• Nabhi basti – around navel region
• Shirobasti – head region
• Chakra basti – around each chakra of the body
• Netra basti – around the eye area
Benefits:
Kati basti has many benefits to include:
o Relaxing spasms
o Reducing pain, stiffness and increasing flexibility
o Lubricating joints and softening rigidity
o Enhancing blood supply to the area
o Promoting cellular memory of the muscle
o Soothing nerves
o Promoting better circulation by removing stagnant toxins for the area
Indications:
Kati basti is recommended for many disorders including:
o Lower back problems
o Sciatica
o Nerve related conditions
o Paralysis of lower regions of the body
o IBS
o Constipation
o Irregular periods
o Infertility
Contra-indications:
Kati basti is not recommended under the following conditions:
• Low digestive fire (agni) or excessive toxins (ama)
• During pregnancy
• During the first two days of menstruation
• Whilst breastfeeding
• Acute fever, chest or sinus congestion
• Open or bleeding wounds, healing scars or burns
• Local swelling or redness
• Active headache or migraine
• Less than 8 weeks after surgery to local area
